The Supreme Court in Queens, United States, has sentenced a woman of n Indian-origin to 15 years in jail for brutally abusing and starving her 12-year-old stepdaughter for almost two years. Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said Sheetal Ranot, 35, was the “epitome of an evil stepmother”.
Brown on Friday said, “Not only did she refuse to provide basic nourishment for the child, but the defendant also wantonly beat and abused the girl inflicting pain still evident by the scars that mark her body today.” Rajesh Ranot, the biological father of Maya, has also been charged with assault, unlawful imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a child. He will be tried later, reported PTI.
The abuse came to light in May 2014, when paramedics were called in and they found the girl seriously injured, and lying in a pool of blood with the tendons of her left wrist exposed. Her mother had assaulted her with a a broken metal broom handle that had sliced her wrist to the bone. Investigators also discovered old bruises and scars on her body from the physical abuse that had started in 2012. According to reports, her father also used to beat Maya with a baseball bat.
Authorities said Maya is currently living with her biological mother. Her four other siblings, who used to live in the same house, are with local child welfare services.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!